Here is one of the nuptial blessings given at a wedding for your reflection today as the Liturgy of the Word highlights Christian marriage. Which images in the text speak to you? Which married couples come to mind as you read this prayer?
“Holy Father, maker of the whole world, who created man and woman in your own image and willed that their union be crowned with your blessing, we humbly beseech you for these your servants, who are joined today in the Sacrament of Matrimony. May your abundant blessing, Lord, come down upon this bride, and upon her companion for life, and may the power of your Holy Spirit set their hearts aflame from on high, so that living out together the gift of Matrimony, they may adorn their family with children and enrich the Church.
In happiness may they praise you, O Lord, in sorrow may they seek you out; may they have the joy of your presence to assist them in their toil, and know that you are near to comfort them in their need; let them pray to you in the holy assembly and bear witness to you in the world, and after a happy old age, together with the circle of friends that surrounds them, may they come to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”